Teacher Shortages Affecting Classes Across Riverina
Class mergers becoming "alarming"
New South Wales government have been warned over a teacher shortage for home learning and return to classes, with rural and regional areas feeling the full brunt of unsustainable workloads.
The shortage is becoming exceedingly difficult for students to receive adequate learning blocks.
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NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos says "alarming" new figures provided to parliament show some teachers are taking on combined classes of up to 45 people just to stay up to date.
"This is an example of the very real impact teacher shortages are having on students and teachers in schools from the inner west of Sydney to the far west of NSW," Mr Gavrielatos said.
"As we prepare for schools to go back next term, it is a stark reminder of why teacher shortages must be addressed as a matter of urgency."
"We know teachers face an enormous challenge meeting the needs of students after a long period of remote learning.
"We cannot afford to have shortages of teachers now and in the years ahead as we try and get all students back on track with their learning," Mr Gavrielatos said.
A large portion of concern has risen for rural areas, Murrumbidgee Regional High School in Griffith are dealing with class mergings and currently possess over a dozen vacant teaching positions.
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